Should I use E5 or E10 in my classic?
I have just acquired a '98 Corvette C5. The forums all indicate that 95 octane fuel is fine but my concern is ethanol damage. Should I be using E5 for reduced ethanol content even if not for the higher octane or, perhaps using a product like Ethanolmate?
Perhaps an late 19902 American car has ethanol proof lines etc.?
Perhaps an late 19902 American car has ethanol proof lines etc.?
Asked on 6 July 2026 by Terry
Answered by
David Ross
Given the age of your vehicle it is likely that it will run normally on E10 fuel, but the higher ethanol content may expose the relatively old components to damage that could result in failure. The easiest option, although not the cheapest, would be to use higher octane E5 fuel sold in most petrol stations and some supermarket fuel stations, and this may also bring performance benefits too. Alternatively you could use E5 fuel and an additive, although this is potentially a less effective approach. Assuming this is an occasional use car rather than a daily driver, the fact that it may be sat for long periods without use means the fuel will also be sitting in the tank and fuel lines for extended periods, so we would suggest that E5 is the better option as it means less ethanol in the system rather than relying on an additive to be effective.
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